Archive for June, 2013

Founded by Richard “Van” VanGrunsven in 1973, Van’s Aircraft, an American kit aircraft manufacturer, is most famous for its RV Aircraft series, one of the most popular homebuilt aircraft around. In fact, by the end of 2012, 8,000 RV kits had been completed and flown, with thousands more still under construction.

RV Aircraft Series

It all started with the RV-1 in 1965, when VanGrunsven modified the Stots SA-3 Playboy with a 125hp Lycoming engine. He also modified the wings, cowling and fuselage. A sailplane, the RV-2 prototype soon followed.

The first RV available for sale was the RV-3. It was single seat and renowned for its climb rate. Making room for a passenger, the RV-4 followed as a two seat tandem version of the RV-3. As the demand for RVs grew, more models were produced. The RV-5 went back to a single seat whereas the RV-6 introduced 2 seats side by side. The RV-7, 8 and 9 were made as improved versions of earlier RV models.

The first flight of the RV-10 prototype was in 2003. Many more were quickly built as pilots discovered its excellent performance and ability to carry four adults and 60 pounds of baggage.

As the RV-11 motorglider is still in the development phase, the RV-12 and 14 have hit the market. The RV-12 is Van’s Aircraft first Light Sport Aircraft, featuring wings that can be easily removed in about five minutes. Years of aircraft experience helped create the RV-14 that debuted in 2012. Van’s Aircraft boasted a quicker build time for this model and 193mph cruise speed.

Builder’s Risk Insurance

Nothing beats the feeling of someday flying an aircraft that you built yourself. But building an aircraft is also a lot of work, requiring both time and dedication. And between the hours of hard work and tough choices you will have to make, insurance coverage typically gets forgotten or ignored. But what happens if disaster strikes mid-build?

“As a friend of many aircraft builders and as a homebuilt owner myself, I can only imagine the devastation of losing an aircraft mid-build,” said Jon Harden, president and founder of Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR). “Our affordable program is worth it just for the peace of mind.”

Van’s RV Aircraft Insurance from Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR)

AIR offers a wide range of aircraft insurance options for aircraft of all makes and models, from Cessna Aircraft, Beechcraft, and Cirrus Aircraft to Robinson Helicopters, Piper Cubs, and, of course Van’s RV Aircraft. AIR offers competitive insurance for all models of Van’s aircraft with various pilot experience. We offer Light Sport Aircraft Insurance as well as builders risk insurance while you are building your RV aircraft. AIR can offer you the broadest package of protection at the best available rates. We represent all of the major aviation insurance markets and are licensed in all 50 states.

A small yellow plane soars through the sky and is immediately spotted as the beloved Piper Cub.The Cub is a basic, no-frills aircraft that has dominated the marketplace because it is extremely reliable and versatile. It has excellent low speed manners and it can take off and land where other planes cannot. The Cub’s big brother, the Super Cub is considered by many as the ultimate backcountry airplane.

The Piper J-3 Cub was first introduced to the public in the late 1930s. This high-wing two-seater quickly became the top seller in the private plane market. In the 1940s, the Cub became the primary training plane in the Civilian Pilot Training program during World War II. The L-4 Grasshopper, a military version of the Cub, flew observation and liaison missions throughout the war. Then in 1946, demand for the Piper Cub was higher than ever. The war was over and returning military pilots were ready to embrace the American dream. 6,000 Cubs were sold that year, which is still the record for the most civilian aircraft of one type manufactured in a single year.

Over the years, Piper Aircraft has created many popular models, such as the Piper Cherokee, Arrow, Aztec and Malibu. One of the easiest to spot and classic Piper Aircraft are the beloved yellow Piper Cubs.

Today, the Cub is recreatedby CubCrafters (Carbon Cub, Sport Cub, and Top Cub) and by American Legend Aircraft (Legend Cub, which is offered in J3 and PA11 styles).

Piper Cub Insurance from Aviation Insurance Resources

The Piper Cub and Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) have one thing in common. Pilots everywhere love the Piper Cub. “Flies like a Cub” is still one of the greatest compliments a pilot can give an aircraft. And pilots everywhere love the aircraft insurance options at AIR. We offer the broadest package of protection at the best available rates. We represent all of the major aviation insurance markets and are licensed in all 50 states.

Since its founding by Walter H. and Olive Ann Beech in 1932, Beechcraft has produced more than 54,000 aircraft (more than 36,000 flying today) for its wide-ranging customer base, which includes individuals, businesses and governments across the globe. The Wichita, Kansas-based aviation company has been able to accomplish this feat for several reasons. First and foremost is Beechcraft’s dedication to quality and innovation, which have allowed the aviation company to thrive in such a competitive industry. Secondly is Beechcraft’s customer-centric business model.

According to Beechcraft.com, the company is “committed to providing unsurpassed customer service – a commitment we honor every moment of every day with the largest customer support network in the industry.”

In fact, Beechcraft’s customer support network includes more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers around the world, allowing Beechcraft to quite literally span the globe.

Beechcraft Insurance from Aviation Insurance Resources

Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) is proud to offer a wide range of aircraft insurance options for aircraft of all makes and models, including Robinson Helicopters, Cirrus Aircraft, Cessna Aircraft, and, of course, Beechcraft. It doesn’t matter if you fly the Beechjet, Premier, Beech King Air, the Baron 58, Bonanza 36, or Debonair, AIR can offer you the broadest package of protection at the best available rates. Many of the insurance companies offer a discount for participating in the BPPP Program. We represent all of the major aviation insurance markets and are licensed in all 50 states.